To really bring about change in an area you need the backing and support of all those who have a say in making it happen. This includes the designers and architects, various teams within the council, businesses and local residents. All these help make it happen, and including their input will ultimately bring about the best results.
Each of these groups have their own reasons and interests to be involved, and it’s important to provide the opportunities for them to give their own advice and expertise for the different aspects of the area. It will be a successful space if it incorporates the needs of all who use it.
A steering group was formed to help drive the designs for the King Square Estate improvements in EC1, which involved work to the park, streets and housing within the estate. The steering group involved residents from each of the blocks on the estate, and was also attended by the design team, the housing ALMO, a local councillor, a member of the NDC board who lived on the estate and Islington council. The council provided several members from different teams to represent each area of the works; including Greenspace for the Parks and Street Management for the streets. Having them on board meant that any design issues or concerns regarding each area could be raised and discussed at the meeting, and plans were more likely to be approved when they had the backing of council members.
